Guide to Chiang Mai paraglide holidays

Chiang Mai is a haven for adventurous travellers looking for a break from the Thai beaches and busy Bangkok. The much-loved city of Chiang Mai lies on high ground in the north of Thailand, with lush green countryside, mountains and cool air all around. Chiang Mai is also the name of the region which offers some good paragliding opportunities.

A Chiang Mai paragliding trip is an opportunity to see all of the beautiful landscape from above. Paragliders tend to head out to the peaks around Chiang Mai, such as Doi Inthanon (2565m), Doi Phahompok (2285m), Doi Chiang Dao (2225m), Doi Mae Ya (2005m) and Doi Ang Khang (1928m).

The Doi Inthanon National Park is around an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, and makes a perfect paragliding venue. The park surrounds Thailand’s highest peak, from which it takes its name. It’s a popular destination with trekkers, who go to scale the peaks and visit the local hill-tribes.

Paragliding in Chiang Mai region is slightly more exploratory without well known launch sites. Although check out Chiang Mai Paramotor Club for ideas and meet ups. Just outside of the Chiang Mai region lies Doi Pha Phueng where paragliders more regularly launch.

Paragliding in Chiang Mai is at its best during the dry season of November to May. The rest of the year, there is a risk of rain from the south west monsoon. That said, the monsoon rarely causes incessant rain in Chiang Mai, so you might be able to fly at any time of year. The winter months can be cool by Thai standards, so bring a jacket! Whatever the weather, conditions are rarely extreme, with plenty of nice, gentle thermals to get you moving.

A Chiang Mai paragliding holiday offers you the chance to explore unspoiled Thailand. It is not a well established paragliding destination but it’s certainly not one you’ll forget and there are plenty of other activities to do if the paragliding doesn’t take off…..